Geeks Are the New Rock Stars

Geeks Are the New Rock Stars

54% of survey respondents say geeks are "extremely intelligent."

It's good to be a geek these days, according to a recent survey from Modis. Rather than being depicted as social misfits, geeks are now perceived by the general population as highly intelligent, resourceful professionals. Perhaps it's the continued mass adoption of tech devices by consumers, or the enthusiasm for pop culture vehicles such as "The Big Bang Theory" TV show. And it doesn't hurt that the very elite of technology high-achievers often end up, well, stinking rich. "The past year has seen a lot of very public coverage of high-profile, extremely successful 'rock star' technology executives," says Jack Cullen, president of Modis. "It would seem the high public profile of these tech celebrities has boosted public perception of geeks in the U.S. Geeks have essentially taken their place in the mainstream—and rightfully so." More than 1,000 Americans took part in the research.